States' Rights or Civil Rights?

Hadley Heath

Wednesday the Senate voted down an amendment to the annual defense authorization bill that would have allowed gun owners with valid permits from one state to carry their concealed weapons in other states.

Some opponents of the bill pointed to states' rights, arguing that the provision would overrule states with more stringent gun control statutes by forcing them to allow the carriage of guns from other states with more lax laws.

I'm a big believer in states' rights, don't get me wrong. But that doesn't mean that states should be able to violate our fundamental liberties as guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Senator John Thune was right to be disappointed after this morning's close vote:

"Today, overheated rhetoric and fear mongering overcame common sense," he said. "My amendment would allow responsible firearms owners to protect themselves while obeying the firearms laws of the states they visit. The individual right to self-defense should not end at the state line."

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Modern Feminist

CAROLINE KITCHENS"[I]t’s a shame that feminists who claim to be all about empowering women are teaching young girls that they will always be victims and that the cards are stacked against them. I just don’t think that’s true in our society anymore, and we’re sending a horrible message to girls by teaching them to embrace victim status.”READ MORE >>>

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Independent Women’s Forum’s mission is to improve the lives of Americans by increasing the number of women who value free markets and personal liberty. Sister organization of Independent Women’s Voice.